There are several ways to determine the cost of exterior-painters and what to look for in a quality contractor. In addition, this article discusses the basics of preparation before exterior painting, such as primer and paint. Taking advantage of an exterior painting contractor’s team will save you time and money, as a professional team will be able to finish the job on time, and on budget. The painting process doesn’t need to consume your spare time or weekend.
Costs of exterior-painters
If you’re planning on painting the exterior of your home, you’ll want to know what to expect from the process. Most exterior-painting jobs run between $500 and $2,400. In addition to the paint itself, you’ll also need basic painting supplies, such as ladders and pressure washers. A basic extension ladder costs $250, but a more expensive one will cost you up to $1,000. The cost of special equipment can range from $300 to $1,200, too. Using a pressure washer can cut down the cost my review here of exterior painting, though.
Qualities of a quality exterior-painting contractor
There are certain qualities to look for in a quality exterior-painting contractor. For one thing, honesty is a must. You’ll be handing them items that are both private and valuable. You want to know that the person you choose my review here won’t perjure himself to gain your business. Look for a painter who’s insured and bonded. This way, you won’t risk their reputation or financial stability.
Preparation for exterior painting
Before you start your exterior painting project, it is important to properly prepare the walls of your home. This preparation process includes pressure washing, scraping, and sanding. After cleaning, prime the surface to seal it. Without proper preparation, the paint will absorb into the surface, causing an uneven coat. You will have to apply additional coats to cover the bare spots. Although surfaces that have been sealed with previous paint may not need to be primed, it is always a good idea to start with this step.
Primer
If you plan on painting the exterior of your home, it is best to use a good primer to make sure that your paint will adhere to the surface. You do not want to paint over bare spots or glossy surfaces, and a primer will prevent this from happening. Besides, you can also use primer on wood to block stain bleed through. You can also find primers for wood at well-known paint retailers.
Weather conditions before and after painting
It’s important to understand weather conditions before and after exterior painting before beginning the project. Painting your home in the summer can be tricky, because the sun’s direct rays can warm the surface. In such cases, you should wait until early morning. Otherwise, you could risk the paint drying too quickly. Another important tip for summertime painting is to avoid extreme humidity. You’ll need to be aware of temperature changes and varying humidity levels, so check the forecast to determine the ideal conditions.
Questions to ask your exterior-painting contractor
There are many things to look for when interviewing a painting contractor, including how much of a background check the contractor has completed. A good contractor should be able to show you pictures of past projects so you can see exactly what they do. Look for pictures with the workers in them, too. You should never hire a contractor based solely on their portfolio, so ask about their level of accountability.